Mike Marr opens his Long Grove brewery to those who want to ring in the new year with fresh brews and a southern barbecue menu cooked onsite to the backdrop of live music.

It’s his first annual Brew Year’s Eve party and Marr, who owns Buffalo Creek Brewing, said he and his staff “will keep the hand-crafted beer flowing well into the first day of 2019.” The midnight toast will not be done with champagne, but with a special brew, he said.

Brew Year’s Eve Party is one of a number of unique events held in Lake County and just over the Wisconsin border that folks can attend at the last minute to celebrate the beginning of 2019. Here are some to consider:

Gurnee

Holiday in the Park at Great America: 2-8 p.m. Dec. 31, Great America, 1 Great America Parkway. Tickets are $46.79-$77.99. Parking is $26-$41. Call 847-249-1776 or go to sixflags.com/greatamerica.

Spend the last day of 2018 riding roller coasters amid more than 100,000 holiday lights and watch special shows featuring the Looney Tunes celebrating the season at Great America. Holiday in the Park had its inaugural opening Nov. 23 and runs through Dec. 31. Entertainment includes a light show at the carousel every 15 minutes beginning at 4:30 p.m. and a holiday revue at 4, 5:30 and 7 p.m. at the Grand Musical Hall. Nearly 20 rides will be open including Raging Bull, Batman: The Ride and the Joker free-fly roller coaster. Go online for various price specials. Those purchasing 2019 memberships get into Holiday in the Park free.

Ivy Ford, known as Waukegan’s blues kitten, entertains with her band at Mickey Finn's. Ford has performed at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago, among other city and suburban venues. Free party favors and champagne toast provided. Food and other alcohol and drinks extra.

Lincolnshire

Take in a musical and grab a drink afterward at one of the hotel's bars to toast to the new year at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. “Holiday Inn” runs through Jan. 6 and tells the tale of a man who leaves show business to live on a farm, then turns it into an inn with performances on holidays, including Christmas and New Year’s.

Long Grove

Buffalo Creek Brewing is hosting its first annual Brew Years’ Eve Party to ring in 2019. The evening includes fresh brews and dinner, prepared on site by Steamboat Barbecue. After dinner, hand-crafted brew will be served and toasted at midnight. Live music by DAMJAX is also on tap for the celebration.

Waukegan

Three Brothers Theatre sponsors a fundraiser featuring music from the era of Madonna and Trans Am. Guests are encouraged to wear ’80s style attire. The evening includes dancing, games, treats and a raffle. BYOB.

Polar Bear Plunge: 9-11 a.m., Jan. 1, 2019. Waukegan Municipal Beach, 201 Sea Horse Drive. The event is free for spectators. Those wish to splash in the lake pay $15 registration until Dec. 28 or $20 the day of the event. Call 847-360-4760 or go to www.waukeganparks.org/wpbp/.

Some folks who prefer to get a good night’s sleep instead of partying on Dec. 31 might want to attend the annual polar bear plunge in Waukegan. The Waukegan Park District and the City of Waukegan host the event to raise money for the Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County. Plungers get pledges from friends and families, then head in groups to splash in the icy Lake Michigan. The first 500 taking the plunge receive an event shirt. Food, hot chocolate and polar bear hats will be sold on site. Aqua shoes or other foot wear is required. Registrants get access to heated indoor changing tents.

Wilmot Mountain celebrates New Year’s Eve with free festivities for families including face painting and games for children. Live music will be performed from 8:30 p.m-12:30 a.m. Free fireworks are held at 10:15 p.m., and a champagne toast is offered at midnight.